CPR in Nursing Homes

CMS re-issued S&C 14-01, revising F155 and clarifying a nursing home's obligation to provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The S&C states that prior to the arrival of emergency medical services, nursing homes must provide basic life support, including initiation of CPR, to a resident who experiences cardiac arrest (cessation of respirations and/or pulse) in accordance with that resident’s advance directives or in the absence of advance directives or a Do Not Resuscitate order. CPR-certified staff must be available at all times. A facility may not establish a facility-wide "No CPR" policy. Such a policy is counter to the right of residents to have advance directives and does not promote person-centered care. 

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8832